THE EXPERIENCE OF AN ASSISTANT PHYSICIAN / ASSOCIATE PHYSICIAN
The quick version is 4 years of Undergrad in a Premed feild, MCAT test, acceptance into school, 2 years book work, 2 years of clinicals in the U.S. and the hardest part... the tests. These tests have increased in failure rate, difficulty, price, and time since the shortages started. These test are made to only be passed by the best and to weed out a percentage whether they deserve to be out or not. They are extremely stressful for anyone that does it. This is far more training than any other Advanced Practitioner.
We have not even talked about the biggest obstacle of them all. The debt, which is bad for the general population, is on hyperdrive for doctors.
“The total average student loan balance for a doctor is $207,000.”
ECFMG and ACGME CERTIFICATION- THE STANDARD OF AMERICA
Residencies were never meant to be the gatekeepers of American Doctors in the United States. This title was forced upon them when they became the restricting flow from medical school to residency. The true standard that is implemented upon all Residence and Assistant/ Associate Physicians alike is the ECFMG and ACGME Certifications. The qualifications to which can be seen on their respective websites on this link. All Assistant Physicians and Asociate Physicians have to have this standard to practice.
Missouri State Requirement and Application for Assistant Physicians click here.